Yasir puts Pakistan in control

Ross Taylor paid tribute to Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah after he blitzed through the New Zealand order in the second Test.

The Black Caps won the first Test in thrilling circumstances, but are now staring defeat in the face after Yasir took 8-41 as New Zealand, who were 50-0, were bowled out for just 90.

Yasir took two more wickets as New Zealand, who were forced to follow on, closed day three on 131-2, still 197 runs behind Pakistan.

"Yasir Shah's a world-class player and bowls well in all conditions, but he bowls exceptionally well here in the UAE and we knew he was going to be someone that we needed to combat, along with some other good bowlers," Taylor said.

"Today was his day, I think he got 10, 11 wickets; that doesn't happen very often in test cricket and you've got to take your hat off to him."

Taylor has not given up all hope of saving the game though and says they need to follow the example set by Pakistani batsmen Babar Azam and Haris Sohail.

"We've got a long way to go if we're going to fight our way back but, if we can just get through a couple of sessions with the least amount of damage, we know it can be done," he added.

"The way Babar and Sohail batted, they showed the way for us to bat long periods of time."

This article originated on sportinastorm.com

Michael Holland is a reporter with over two decades of journalism experience. A Bolton fan, Michael often writes football articles, as well as having a strong knowledge of golf, cricket and Australian sports.

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